Formby's fallen Service men

Formby’s War Memorial is located by the roundabout at the corner of Three Tuns Lane. Listed upon the memorial are the names of 113 heroic Service men who gave their lives in The Great War.

Some of the men have additional information about their lives and where they were born or lived before the war.

Surname

First Name

Rank

Service No.

Regiment/Ship/ Squadron

Last known address

Died

Age at death

Burial Place

Biography

Medals

Ackers

Peter

Private

2174

King's Liverpool Regiment

14 Willow Grove, Formby

16/05/1915

23

Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Peter was declared missing, presumed dead, in 1915. According to his service records he enlisted very early in the war on 8th August 1914. He served in France.

Aindow

Charles

Steward

RMS "Lusitania"

Ashburton, West Lane, Formby

05/06/ 1915

37

Our Lady of Compassion Churchyard, Formby, England

Charles was lost when the R.M.S. Lusitania was sunk by a torpedo off Kinsale, Ireland on the 7th May 1915. 1,198 were killed and 761 survived.

Aindow

John

Trimmer

927413

Mercantile Marine Reserve, H.M.S. "Otranto".

Boathouse Cottage, Lifeboat Road, Formby

10/06/1918

18

Plymouth Memorial, England

John died when the H.M.S. Otranto, a troop carrier, collided with H.M.S. Kashmir on the 6th October 1918 and sank, between the North East coast of Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland, with the loss of 431 lives - (351 American troops and 80 British crew members).

Aindow

John

Private

204155

1st/9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

30 Queens Road, Formby

22/09/1917

19

Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

John enlisted in Seaforth and served in France and Belgium. He was killed in the vicinity of Bank Form, Pommern, France.

Alderson

William Joseph

Private

423

Canadian Expeditionary Force, Manitoba Regiment

His father lived at Ingleborough House Formby. William lived in Canada

03/06/1915

17

Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

This appears to be an error on the memorial. There is a William Joseph Alderson who came from Formby but emigrated to Canada and was in a Canadian regiment. He died June 1915. Also known as Joseph William Alderson. At the moment it cannot be confirmed that this is the same man, but it appears to be likely.

Bailey

Tom

Private

5183

1/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

2 Furness Avenue, Formby.

09/08/1916

18

There are two "Tom/Thomas" Bailey names on the war memorial. A long article in the Formby Civic Society newsletter has confirmed that the names are duplicated. A member of the family explained that he was always called "Tom" and that was the name carved on the memorial. An official thought it was a shortened form of "Thomas" and instructed this name to be carved as well. It can be confirmed therefore that Tom was a Gardener at the outbreak of war, lived in Formby and died in France just days before his 19th birthday.

Balshaw

Robert

Private

2175

1/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

3 Massey's (or Massies) Cottages,
Kew Road, Formby.

20/05/1915

20

Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France

Robert's Battalion sailed for France on 8th August 1914. He was shot in the head during the Battle of Festubert in May 1915. Peter was evacuated to a field hospital in Boulogne, where he sadly died 5 days later.

Barker

Harold

Private

21975

20th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment and Reserve Cavalry

8 Elson Road, Formby

12/10/1916

27

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Harold fought in both Flanders and in France. He was killed in action near Eaucourt L'Abbaye, Gueudecourt, during the Battle of Le Transloy on 12th October 1916; during the Somme Offensive. Harold's brother Joseph was also killed in action

Barker

Joseph E

Private

31707

Manchester Regiment and King's Liverpool Regiment

8 Elson Road, Formby

04/071918

38

India Gate, Dehli Memorial, India

Joseph's brother Harold was also killed in action.

Beardwood

Harold B

Lance Corporal

57950

Royal Welch Fusiliers and King's Liverpool Regiment

Crookings, Davenham Rd, Formby.

06/05/1917

29

Achiet -Le-Grand, Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France

Harold died of wounds in France, his younger brother Sydney also perished.

Beardwood

Sydney E

Lance Corporal

265504

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Crookings, Davenham Rd. Formby.

17/09/1917

26

Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Belgium

Edward was the third son of Mr. Beardwood, postmaster in Formby. Edward died on Wednesday 17th September 1917. He had recently returned to trenches after being home for ten days' leave. He arrived back in the trenches on Saturday, and on the Monday he was wounded, succumbing to his injuries two days later. Edward’s elder brother Harold had also died of his wounds, just four months earlier.

Betham

George Herbert

Lance Corporal

265241

King's Liverpool Regiment

Flaxfield Formby

20/07/1917

29

Nord, France

Born in 1889 to Charles Waistell Betham and Elizabeth Betham. His full name was George Herbert Betham but he is named as George Betham on the war memorial. He was a jobbing gardener in 1911. He enlisted in March 1915.

Bibby

Alfred

Private

106363

41st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps

Gores Lane Mews, Formby

24/03/1918

30

Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Circumstances of death unconfirmed.

Boylan

Herbert

Rifleman

3057

5th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

The Poplars, Church Lane, Formby

16/05/1915

32

Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France

Herbert was buried on the battlefield where he fell, together with six other comrades. Their bodies were later reinterred at the Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, France. The effects found on his body were a bible, wallet, photographs and his ID disc. His war gratuity was left to his sister in law, Mary, who had been married to his brother John.

Bradshaw

Charles

Corporal

240532

1st/6th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Marsh Cottage, Three Tuns Lane, Formby

21/03/1918

20

Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

Charles died of his wounds, received in action near Gorre Chateau, on Aubers Ridge, close to Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée

Bradshaw

George Henry

Private

61973

Cheshire Regiment

34 Cable Street, Formby

22/10/1917

24

Artillery Wood Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

George is listed as Killed in Action. His brother Robert Bradshaw also fell.

Bradshaw

Robert

Rifleman

242616

6th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

34 Cable Street, Formby

23/11/1917

20

Tincourt New British Cemetery, Boucly, Somme, France

Robert died of wounds received when his battalion were operating in the vicinity of Guillemont Farm and the Knoll, on the Somme battlefields. His brother George also fell.

Brooks

Henry

Acting Lance Corporal

2187

1st/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

144A Upper Aughton Road, Birkdale

16/05/1915

33

Le Touret France, Pas de Calais, France

Henry is listed as Killed in Action.

Brooks

William

Private

2216

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment and Royal Medical Corps.

Coronation Avenue, Formby

01/08/1921

33

Buried at Our Lady of Compassion Roman Catholic church yard, Formby.

William died of injuries received during his military service, in 1921.

Carr

Henry C

Commander

Royal Navy, H.M.S. "Bayano",

11/03/1915

Portsmouth Naval Memorial

Henry was killed when the Bayano was intercepted ten miles off Corsewall Point, on the west coast of Scotland, by submarine U-27. The ship was on her way to Liverpool when the attack took place at 5.15am. The Bayano sank very rapidly and only four officers and 22 ratings were saved. Fourteen officers, including Cdr. Carr and 181 ratings were killed.

Charters

Henry Rimmer

Gunner

118809

Royal Horse Artillery

Wynstay, 3 Foster Road, Formby

19/09/1916

20

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Killed in action, exact details unconfirmed.

Christophers

George C

Private

SPTS/796

23rd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Whoof House Elbow Lane (now demolished)

27/07/1916

38

Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France

George joined the Sports battalion as a way of circumventing the regulations that said he was too old to enlist (note he was aged 36 at this time and conscription was not in force at that time). George died on the battlefield with no known grave or marker. However his body was found and exhumed in 1933 - along with several other soldiers and reinterred. Effects found on him included a medal from the woman who raised the Sports Battalion, a razor and a newspaper cutting noted as "The Formby..."!

Collinge

Wharton Rye

Lieutenant

2nd/6th Rifle Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Lawnswood Freshfield

07/08/1917

38

Merville Communal Cemetery, Nord, France

Cause of death currently unconfirmed.

Dean

Ellis

Private

32485

2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

Mulsford, Piercefield Road, Formby

03/05/1917

27

Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Ellis enlisted in Southport and was sent over to France. He died on 3rd May 1917 in Fampoux, part of the Battle of Arras. During the bombardment 17 others ranks were killed, 84 were wounded and 174 were missing.

Dean

John

Private

28791

6th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment

15/01/1917

Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq

John is listed as killed in action - Mesopotamia. Most probably during the Battle of Mohammed Abdul Hassan On the The Khadairi Bend which raged from 11th January until 24th February 1917.

Dean

Richard

Rifleman

R/16382

7th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Gores Lane, Freshfield, Formby

18/08/1916

18

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Dickinson

John

Stoker First Class

K/11895

Royal Navy, HM Submarine K13

9 Old Mill Lane, Formby

29/01/1917

25

Faslane Cemetery, Scotland

John was killed when HMS K13 was lost in sea trials. HMS K13 was a steam-propelled First World War K class submarine of the Royal Navy. She sank in a fatal accident during sea trials in early 1917. K12 sank in Gareloch, Argyll, Scotland, on 29 January 1917 just after noon, having signalled to HMS E50 that she was about to dive. She had 80 people on board - 53 crew, 14 employees of the shipbuilders, five sub-contractors, five Admiralty officials, a River Clyde pilot, and the captain and engineering officer from the yet to be completed K14.

Dickinson

Richard

Private

265481

1st/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

9 Old Mill Lane, Formby

24/09/1917

20

Mendinghem Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Richard is listed as dying from wounds received. His unit was operating in the Vlamertinghe area, part of the Battle of Ypres.

Edgar

Reginald

Private

TR/3/5026

51st Battalion, Training Reserve

17 Willow Grove, Formby

30/10/1919

20

St Peter's Churchyard, Formby

Reginald was the son of George and Katherine Edgar. The circumstances of his death are unknown

Fazakerley

John

Private

266942

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

9 Chapel Lane, Formby

06/06/1920

36

Our Lady Of Compassion Graveyard, Formby, England

During his service, John was the victim of several gas attacks. He died at Formby on the 6th June 1920 as the result of his war injuries and was buried at Our Lady of Compassion R.C. graveyard, Formby. Both of John's brothers, Thomas and Henry, were killed during the conflict.

Fazakerley

Thomas

Private

48201

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

9 Chapel Lane, Formby

16/06/1916

28

Wailly Orchard Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

Notice from Liverpool Echo 25/7/16 - Thomas Fazakerley, of Formby, and Pte. Nixon, of Bootle, both of The King's Liverpool Regiment were killed on the 16th. They were resting in a dug-out, when a shell landed on top and killed both instantaneously. Fazakerley's brother Henry was killed at Festubert about twelve months ago, and another brother John, belonging to the same battalion, has been wounded.

Garrett

Charles

Private

2915

9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

27/05/1916

Wailly Orchard Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

Charles is listed as killed in action, alongside two others, when enemy shells hit the support lines, near Arras France.

Grant

Douglas

Lieutenant

King's Own Scottish Borderers, and King's Liverpool Regiment

Rownalea, Formby

30/11/1917

22

Cambrai Memorial, Louveral, France

Douglas was killed in action at Marcoing Copse, during the Battle of Cambrai.

Greaves

Thomas Erlam

Corporal

265482

1/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

51 Old Mill Lane, Freshfield, Formby

09/041918

20

Loos Memorial, Loos-en-Gohelle, France

Thomas was killed in action when an intense gas attacked was launched from the German lines, north of Le Fiantin, in the Festubert Section.

Gregg

John McCurdy

Private

357124

10th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Gable House, Formby

11/05/1918

39

Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France

John died of his wound. His battalion were based in Vaudricourt, in the Somme area of France.

Havelock Sutton

George Henry

Flying Officer

Royal Air Force

30/07/1920

St Michael's Churchyard, Halton, England

George died of natural causes, at Royal Air Force Hospital, Halton Camp, Bucks. He was awarded a Military Cross for distinguished service in connection with military operations in France and Flanders, whilst serving as a lieutenant with the King Edward Horse Regiment.

Military Cross

Haworth

Randolph S

Lance Corporal

15870

17th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Freshfield Farm, Freshfield

12/10/1916

30

Warlencourt British Cemetery, Eaucourt, France

Bootle Times 3rd November 1916: Private Randolph Singleton Haworth, K.L.R, was killed in action on the 12th October. He was 30 years of age, and before the war he worked at head office staff of the Bank of Liverpool, and resided with his parents at The Farm, Freshfield. He was a member of the Bankers' and Insurance Golf Club, and won a number of prizes. He was also a clever billiard player and a popular member of the Bootle Cricket Club.

Haward

Sydney

1/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Rose Cottage, Massam's Lane Formby

16/05/1915

32

Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France

Sydney sailed to France on 7th March 1915. He saw action on the 17th March 1915 during which, he received a bullet wound to his left leg. He returned to frontline duty on 28th March 1915 just in time to take part in the Battle of Festubert in May 1915. Sydney was killed in action on 16th May 1915.

Heaton

William

Private

18087

4th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

09./07/1915

La Gorgue Communal Cemetery, Nord, France

William enlisted in Seaforth in August 1914 and went with his battalion to Le Havre, arriving on 6th March 1915. The battalion were under orders of Sirhind Brigade, Lahore Division of Indian Corps. William died of his wounds in France.

Higgins

H S

Hill

Geoffrey Hawksley

Private

3299

10th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Edenholme, 3 St George's Road Formby

16/06/1915

19

Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Geoffrey was killed in action after his battalion came under heavy shelling at Railway Wood, west of Bellewaarde Ridge, Ypres. The area was shelled from 12:30, until 2:10 am, during which several men were killed.

Holden

William

Private

48850

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

26/09/1916

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

William was killed in action during an attack on Goat & Gird Trench, Sunken Road, Gueudecourt, part of the Somme Offensive.

Holme

Herbert

Private

42237

3rd Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

20/3/1917

34

St Peter's Churchyard, Formby

Herbert was the husband of Esther Bibby (formerly Holme). He died at the Royal Infirmary Liverpool.

Horsfall

John Brown

Second Lieutenant

Machine Gun Corps

12 Elston Road, Formby

25/07/1917

26

Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

John's headstone reads 'killed in Ypres'.

Hoskyn

John Henry

Second Lieutenant

9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

11 Kingsway, Waterloo

20/09/1917

27

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

John is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial which honours the men killed during the third Battle of Ypres. Also known as the Battle of Passchendaele.

Houghton

John

Private

242157

5th Battalion, Border Regiment

23/04/1917

Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

John was killed in action during The Battle of Arras, in the Wancourt Tower area, near Arras, France.

Houghton

Thomas

Private

2185

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

30/05/1915

Longuenesse St. Omer Souvenir Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France

Thomas was killed in action when his battalion moved to take over the front line at Les Brebis, northwest of Grenay, in the Loos section.

Houghton

Thomas Hende

Hurst (Hirst)

Sydney

Private

3170

4th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

18/08/1916

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Sydney enlisted in Southport and was sent to France. He was killed in action when his battalion came under heavy fire at Fricourt, Byzantine Grand, on the Somme battlefields. The onslaught saw 48 men killed, 148 wounded and 22 missing.

Hutchins

J K

Jack

James Charles

Major

150th Battalion, Royal Field Artillery

31/05/1918

41

Vignacourt British Cemetery, Somme, France

James obtained a commission in the Royal Horse Artillery, Special Reserve in May, 1915. He was promoted Captain and the command of a 4-Gun Battery, R.F.A., in the spring of 1916. He was made a Major and given command of a 6-Gun Battery, Armed Field Artillery, the following December. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from October 1915 and was three times wounded. Read more about Jack

Military Cross, plus bar and Distinguished
Service Order. (Photo on Merseyside roll of honour

Jackson

Richard Walter

Private

85174

1st Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

14 Whitehouse Lane, Formby

14/11/1920

32

St Peter's Churchyard, Formby, England

Richard died at 20 Dew Road, Formby on the 14th November 1920 and was buried at St.Peter's C.of E. graveyard, Formby on the 18th November.

Robert was killed in action, alongside 25 other men in the Langemarck/Elverdinghe Chateau area.

Lee

James

Private

20003

13th Battalion, King's Liverpool

15/07/1916

32

Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, Corbie, France

James enlisted in Seaforth on 16th September 1914. He was described on his enrolment papers as being 5 feet 7 inches tall and having a fresh complexion, grey eyes and black hair. He arrived in France on 26th September 1915 and died of wounds in No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station in Corbie on 15th July 1916.

Leeson

John-Joseph

Rifleman

202732

5th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

16 Council Avenue, Altcar Road, Formby

20/09/1917

38

New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

John-Joseph was killed when his battalion attacked a German artillery position at Zevecote. They secured a line from Hill 37 to Zevecote and all objectives were met. 41 men were killed. He left behind a wife, Isabella.

Little

James Robert

Lance Corporal

19597

11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

53 Upper Aughton Road, Birkdale

12/04/1918

20

Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleil, Nord, France

Born in Formby, James enlisted in Southport and was sent to France. He was killed in action during the Battle of Lys, in the area of the village of Doulieu.

Lloyd

James

Private

381126

D Company 13th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Mercer's Cottage, Altcar, Formby

31/08/1918

19

Honorable Artillery Company Cemetery, Ecoust-St-Mein, France

James enlisted in Southport and was sent to France. He died during the 2nd Battle of the Somme, near Bullecourt.

Lovelady

Harry

Private

SE/21969

Royal Army Veterinary Corps

21 Willow Grove, Formby

29/12/1913

36

St Peter's Churchyard, Formby, England

In 1911 Harry was a coachman. His experience with horses no doubt made him an ideal candidate for the Army Veterinary Corps. He died after contracting pneumonia at Stanley Hospital, Kirkdale, on the 29th December 1918.

Lowe

(Gordon) John Hunter

Private

203512

19th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

14 Eaton Avenue, Litherland

22/03/1919

38

Pozieres Memorial, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France

John was an old volunteer and Territoral, who signed up in February 1915. He was sent to France 8 months later. A report on his fate appeared in the Bootle Times on the 10th May 1918 and in the Crosby Herald on the 11th May 1918. Read more about John

Donald joined up in 1914 and was sent overseas in in October 1914. He was injured in November 1914 but returned to duty. He was later listed as 'Killed in Action'.

Madden

Percy

Private

28693

7th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

20 Willow Grove, Freshfield, Formby

27/04/1916

23

Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Percy was killed in action, when his battalion was in action at Hulluch, north of Loos, France. At the time, gas attacks at Hulluch were reported. 'Two German cloud gas attacks on British troops, from 27–29 April 1916, near the village of Hulluch, 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Loos in northern France'.

Maddocks

James H

Private

2801

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Liverpool Road, Formby

16/05/1915

30

Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France

James enlisted in Southport and was posted to the front on 7th March 1915. He was killed in action on 16th May 1915. His brother Randall also fell in action.

Maddocks

Randell

Private

38436

17th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Liverpool Road, Formby

08/05/1918

33

Klein-Vierstraat British Cemetery, Heuvelland, Belgium

Randall enlisted in Formby and was posted to the front line sometime after January 1916. He was killed in action on 8th May 1918. His brother James also fell.

Marshall

James

1st Class Waiter

RMS "Lusitania"

16 Lulworth Avenue, Waterloo

07/05/1915

30

Tower Hill Memorial, London, England

He was lost when the R.M.S. Lusitania was sunk by torpedo off Kinsale, Ireland on the 7th May 1915.

Maudsley

James

Gunner

24369

37th Battery, 27th Brigade, Royal Field & Royal Horse Artillery

Halsall Lane, Formby

26/01/1919

Our Lady of Compassion Graveyard, Formby. England

James is listed as 'Died at home'.

Maudsley

John

Sergeant

60197

Northumberland Fusiliers

Northview, Massam's Lane, Freshfield

20/04/1918

22

Ploegsteert Memorial, Ypres, Belgium

John's service record simply lists 'Died'. His battalion had endured 8 days of heavy fighting in the Croix de Poperinge area.

Mawdsley

George

Private

51970

13th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

04/111919

Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

George was killed during the Battle of the Lys which was fought between 7th and 29th April 1918), and was also known as the Lys Offensive.

Mawdsley

Peter

Sergeant

265508

1/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

28 Watchyard Lane, Formby.

27/07/1917

24

Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

Peter fought in several battles during his service, including the Battles of Festubert, Loos, Ypres and Aubers Ridge. Peter was killed in action after being caught in shellfire.

Mawdsley

Richard

Private

265229

1st/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

3 Chapel Lane, Formby

20/09/1917

28

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Richard enlisted at Seaforth Barracks on 11th February 1916, and was sent to France. He was killed in action in an attack on enemy lines, under machine gun fire, in the Vlamertinge area of Belgium.

Mawdsley

Thomas

Private

265242

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

4 Dora Cottages, Formby

07/03/1917

28

Our Lady of Compassion Graveyard, Formby, England

Thomas signed up to the 7th Battalion King's Regiment. He was posted overseas on 7th March 1913 and died exactly 4 years later.

Maxwell

Archibald Finlay Smith

Lieutenant

Highland Light Infantry

Merksworth, Renfrewshire

01/07/1916

18

Serre Road Cemetery Number 2, Somme, France

Archie is listed as 'Killed in Action'.

McConnen

George

Captain

10th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Victoria Road, Freshfield

09/08/1916

32

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

George was the eldest surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. McConnen, of Victoria Road, Freshfield. He was instantaneously killed on the 9th August 1916, during one of the battles of the Somme. .

McKeiver

Victor Comley

Lieutenant

2nd/3rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment

Holmwood school, Barkfield Lane, Formby

18/05/1915

26

Chester Farm Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium

Victor volunteered in August 1914, and was commissioned less than one month later. He served in the 3rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment and arrived in France on 16th March 1915. He was later attached to the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment. Victor was seriously wounded and died of his wounds on 18th May 1915.

McLellan

Hector

Acting Sargeant

228343

1st Battalion, London Regiment. Attached Royal Fusiliers

25/10/1918

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Hector enlisted in Formby, and was drafted to Belgium. He was killed in action on the Battlefields of Ypres. He left a half sister Eleanor Meadowcroft.

Meadows (Meadow)

Harold James

Gunner

105073

Royal Field Artillery 71st Brigade, HQ

Moss Side, Formby

05/10/1916

22

Adanac Military Cemetery, Miraumont, Somme, France

Harold is listed as 'Killed in Action'.

Meadows

Leonard

Private

106314

105th Battalion, Machine Gun Corp

Bamford Cottage, Ryeground Lane, Formby

21/10/1917

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Leonard is listed as 'Killed in Action'. His battalion were operating in the St. Omer Owerstel area.

Meadows

William

Mellody

Adrian

Lance Corporal

16823

Cheshire Regiment

Granton, Timms Lane, Formby

03/07/1916

21

Serre Road Cemetery Number 2, Somme, France

Adrian was killed in action in the Thiepval area of the Somme. This extract from the War Diary describes the action: 'the assaulting troops very soon came under a withering fire from Machine Guns which made the ground at about 50x from the first German line absolutely impassable. Line after line of the troops were mown down'. 14 officers and 327 other ranks were killed during the attack.

Mercer

Peter

Lance Corporal

G/15646

7th Battalion, The Buffs Royal East Kent Regiment

Cross Green, Church Road, Formby

19/11/1916

20

Contay British Cemetery, Somme, France

Peter died of his wounds on 19th November 1916.

Mercer

Robert

Private

2898

1st/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Woodbine Cottage
Dean's Court, Gores Lane, Formby

17/05/1915

16

Le Touret Memorial, Pas De Calais, France

Bobby was sent to France on 6th March 1915. He was killed by friendly fire during a bayonet charge towards the German trenches during the battle of Festubert. He was just 16 years old, and had spent 2 months on the front line. When Bobby enlisted in Formby he lied about his age, claiming to be 18 years and 2 months old.

Moss

George

Lance Corporal

27604

8th Battalion. King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

26/09/1917

27

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen. Belgium

George was listed as Killed in Action. His battalion were under very heavy shelling in the Muhle Bridge area.

Murray

George

Private

265240

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment.

Massey's Cottages, Formby

23/08/1920

25

Our Lady of Compassion Churchyard, Formby

George was the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Murray of Massey's Cottages Formby. Prior to the war he worked as a golf caddie. His sister Jane also died as a result of her war service,

Murray

Jane

British Navy and Army Canteen Board

Massey's Cottages, Formby

02/12/1918

23

Jane enlisted with the British Nay and Army canteen board in February 1918, serving at Thornton Camp. She died of pneumonia at Bootle hospital. Her brother George also died as a result of his wartime service

Nevin

Frederick Desmond

Second Lieutenant

Royal Air Force

Avondale, Birkey Lane, Formby.

19/05/1918

19 years

Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, Somme, France

Frederick was killed whilst flying with 49 Squadron operating a DH9 bomber on the 19th May 1918.

Norris

Henry

Gunner

131329

401 Battery, 14th Brigade, Royal Horse & Royal Field Artillery

01/10/1917

Coxyde Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Henry is listed as 'Killed in Action' in Belgium.

Norris

Sidney Francis

Private

303024

20th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

2 Cable Street, Formby

15/04/1917

22

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Sidney is listed as 'Killed in action' in France.

Okell

Thomas

Private

267772

2nd/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

11 Chapel Lane, Formby

30/11/1918

22

Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France

Thomas is listed as 'Died of disease' in France.

Partington

John

Private

91559

H Battalion, Tank Corp

01/12/1917

Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France

John was born in Crosby and enlisted in Seaforth. He is listed as 'killed on action' at the Battle of Cambrai.

Patten

Thomas

Private

308528

1st/8th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

27/09/1916

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Thomas was killed alongside 11 other men, whilst under a heavy bombardment. They were fighting in the Gueudecourt Road area of the Somme Battlefield.

Pearson

Albert Victor

Lance Bombardier

675988

"B" Battery. 275th Bridgade.
Royal Field Artillery

"Ashdell," Andrews' Lane, Formby, Lancs.

21/10/1918

26

Esplechin Churchyard, Hainaut, Belgium

Pearson

(James) Mark

Private

241262

2nd/6th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Villa de Marly, Formby

30/10/1917

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Mark is listed as 'Killed in Action'. His battalion were operating in the Villier Faucon area of France.

Potter

John

Rifleman

240665

1st/6th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

3, Merton Grove, Bootle, Liverpool.

13/08/1916

24

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

John was killed in action, near Maltz Horn Farm, Guillemont, France.

Rathbone

Guy Benson

Captain

11th Battalion, attached 7th, Battalion Gloucester Regiment

21/04/1919

32

Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq

Guy was killed in action in Mesopotamia (Iraq) on 21st April 1916.

Reeves

George

Private

77017

Canadian Infantry

100 Cambridge Road, Seaforth

19/05/1915

29

Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France

George, of the Canadian Scottish, died of wounds in the Number 8 Ambulance Train. He had had a most adventurous life. He entered the service of the Cunard Line as a fireman and afterwards went on a voyage to Australia, where he and about half the crew deserted their vessel. Read more about George

Rimmer

Edward

Private

17831

1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment

28/03/1918

Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France

Edward enlisted in Worcester and was sent to France. He was killed in action during heaving fighting in the Rouvrel, in the Somme Battlefields.

Rimmer

Henry

Private

10539

9th Battalion, London Regiment. Formerly Royal Fusiliers

06/08/1916

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Henry enlisted in Formby and was sent to France. He is listed as 'Killed in Action'.

Stanislaus enlisted in May 1916 and returned to France for the last time in November 1917. He was severely wounded in the leg and it was two days before he was found. He was taken to Hospital Rouge, were his leg was amputated on January 29th 1918. Mrs Rimmer was able to travel to see her son before he died.

Robertson

Stewart L

Rowland

John Stanley

Rifleman

1798

6th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Ravensgate, Kirklake Road, Formby

16/04/1915

19

Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium

"Jack" served with the 6th Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment. He was killed in action on 16th April 1915 at Ypres and was buried in a trench on the frontline. His grave was later destroyed in the fighting.

Rowley

John W

Rifleman

51730

19th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

The Hollies, Victoria Road, Formby

26/05/1918

26

Roye New British Cemetery, Somme, France

Crosby Herald 5th October 1918 - DEATH OF A PRISONER OF WAR IN GERMANY.
We regret to state that Mr. and Mrs. George W. Rowley, The Hollies, Freshfield, have received information that their only son, Rifleman J.W. Rowley, has died in Germany, where he had been a prisoner of war since March last. For almost three months his fate was uncertain, but in June a letter was received from him, in which he stated that he was a prisoner of war. Much sympathy is extended to the parents in their sorrow.

Shaw

Richard Ellis

Corporal

PO/15530

Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS "Black Prince".

10 Watchyard Lane, Formby

31/05/1916

23

Portsmouth Naval Memorial, England

Richard was killed whilst serving on The Black Prince, the ship was sunk during the Battle of Jutland in May 1916, with the loss of all hands. Despite his young age Richard had completed almost 8 years service in the Royal Navy when he died.

Shaw

Stuart Stoke

Private

3000/126850

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

49 Ravenmeols Lane, Formby

14/12/1921

38

Stuart saw action overseas and was discharged as 'no longer fit for service' on 26th April 1919. He was issued with a silver war badge, to indicate that he was an ex-soldier. Stuart is not officially war dead as he was discharged from the army.

Thomas

Cedric Ledger

Private

202607

Royal Welch Fusiliers

West Royd, Carrs Crescent, Formby

09/06/1920

25

St Luke's Churchyard, Formby, England

Cedric died of pulmonary tuberculosis, at his father's home on 9th June 1920.

Thompson

George Eric

2nd Lieutenant

12th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

6 Lord Street, Liverpool L2 1TZ

03/09/1916

20

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

George was killed whilst leading his platoon in action, during an attack of the heavily fortified village of Guillemont, Hauts-de-France, Northern France.

Travis-Sinclair

Norman Brownlie

Major

297th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

Freshfield

26/03/1918

31

Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

Norman was killed in action on 26th March 1918.

Tyrer

Thomas

Private

26936

4th/5th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Formby

26/10/1917

Tyne Cot Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Thomas died alongside 66 other men during an attack on enemy lines near the village of Boesinghe, in the Ypres area of Belgium.

Waddington

Albert

Rifleman

763

16th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps

4 Cable Street, Formby

21/07/1916

33

Daours Communal Cemetery, Somme, France

Albert died of his injuries at No. 45 casualty clearing station, in Daours, France.

Wetherall

George

Private

267505

7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Railway Station House, Freshfield

27/09/1918

20

Anneux British Cemetery, Nord, France

George was killed in action near Anneux on 27th September 1918.

Wharton

William

Lance Corporal

18739

12th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

25 Willow Grove, Freshfield

03/10/1916

36

Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, Somme, France

William died of his wounds on 3rd October 1916.

Whitter

Joseph

Private

267511

4th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Formby

11/04/1918

Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

Joseph was killed in the Poelcappelle area of Flanders, Belgium.

Wood

Thomas Lovelady

Private

31741

13th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Liverpool Road, Formby

22/07/1916

25

St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France

Son of Alma and Catherine Wood, of Liverpool Road, Formby, Liverpool. Thomas enlisted in Seaforth and was sent to France. He died of his wounds, aged 25 years old, in a hospital at Rouen.

Wright

Edward

Private

242884

1/5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Liverpool Road, Formby

18/10/1917

20

Coxyde Military Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium

Southport Visiter featured the following: Information has been received that Edward Wright was killed by a shell on 17th October. He joined the army last January and had spent about three months at the front.

Wright

James

Private

1815

1st/7th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment

Liverpool Road, Formby

16/05/1915

33

Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

James is one of over 13,400 British soldiers who were killed in this sector of the Western Front from the beginning of October 1914 to the eve of the Battle of Loos in late September 1915, and has no known grave.

Wright

John Crosby

Lieutenant

Royal Garrison Artillery

Briars Hey, Formby

10/04/1917

25

Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Crosby', as John was affectionately known, was mortally wounded by a stray machine gun bullet during an attempt to repair a broken communication line. He was buried at Vimy Ridge.

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